World Cup 2010 is in fact shaping up similarly to WC 2006. Then, Italy was ridden by a matchfixing scandal and against all odds, they went on to lift the trophy. France was total outsiders at the start of the tournament following a poor qualifying campaign, but overcoming the slow start, they defeated Spain, Brazil and Portugal to the final, before losing a final they probably deserved to win. Both teams were hugely unfancied.
This time round, Italy are termed as 'too old'. France is suffering the same problem, with an even less convincing qualifying campaign that ended with a controversial goal, which I would choose not to mention. But more interestingly, Raymond Domenech, that eccentric astrologer-coach for France, is still in charge. And Marcello Lippi, who lifted the trophy 4 years ago, is back in the reins after a poor reign by Roberto Donadoni.
So it's hugely resemblant. But there are many things that have changed for the other nations.
Brazil has developed a defensive dimension under Dunga, and they have very good goalkeepers at their disposal (Julio Cesar of Inter, Heurelho Gomes of Tottenham). Compare that with Dida last time. Spain broke their underachievers tag to win the Euro 2008 and are rather irresistible at the moment. England hired a tactician in Fabio Capello and they looked to be more disciplined and cohesive and youthful already.
On the other hand, Argentina, who was a big favourite at the last World Cup due to their stirring group performances, are unfancied because of Diego Maradona. Ironic, but he has been unimpressive as coach, only managing to squeeze in to the WC by the narrowest of margins.
There is little attention on the Asian teams to surprise, as South Korea did as hosts in 2002. The attention shifts for Africa to replicate that success, with this edition in South Africa, in Africa for the first time ever.
African hopes lie with Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, the hosts and Algeria. After a 0-3 thumping by Ireland, Algeria looks increasing likely to be there to make the numbers having ousted bitter neighbours Egypt in the last stage of qualifying. My tip will not rest with South Africa, though they have a chance of making it past the group stage (Group A). Their group includes France, Uruguay and Mexico. Nigeria, if they make it past the group stage, will face a team from Group A. Their group includes Argentina, South Korea and Greece.
So in fact, if I am right, France may face Nigeria and South Africa face Argentina. Hardly easy to back the Africans. But it may well happen that the Africans match up and the giants too. But that's if we assume all 4 make it past the group stage...
Cote d'Ivoire are in a Group of Death with Portugal, Brazil and North Korea, and even if they make it past in 2nd, they most likely face Spain. Incredulously tough path to maneuver.
Ghana is also in a tough group, having to contend with the likes of Germany, Australia and Serbia. They have an outside chance of progressing, but they may face England next, and it's tough to see them moving to the quarters. And I doubt Algeria will edge out USA for 2nd, just like how I doubt Slovenia will do just that, behind clear favourites England.
Which leaves us with Cameroon. Cameroon is in Group E with Netherlands, Denmark and Japan. It's a very even group, with all 4 teams having the potential to progress. But if Cameroon does enough, they will face off against a team from Group F. That's Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, probably the easiest group of all. Italy is not a totally impossible task to overcome despite Lippi's presence. But more than that, it is possible to avoid Italy and it will be actually a very easy match compared to what the other African teams have.
So I would probably stick with Cameroon to proceed furthest.
As for the contenders, it will be impossible to rule out either Brazil or Spain. England and Germany both have good chances, while I think France and Argentina, despite questionable coaches, can spring surprises given the vast qualities in both squads.
As a fan of France, I will be keeping my fingers crossed that France will avoid England, by finishing in a different position (ie 1 of them 1st and the other 2nd in their groups). That will mean France probably can face Germany instead in the q-finals. That's a preference, because I am interested to see how France and Germany fare against each other. It hasn't happened for a long while as I remember.
And I think England deserves at the least the semi-finals.
Okay that's all. To avoid the scenario where you blog readers want to read my posts other than the World Cup but cannot find it because of the World Cup cluttering, I will be thinking of a solution. A very likely one will be shifting all the WC posts to my other blog, while putting the main points on this blog still. Yup XD
